https://katherinephelps.com/2022/01/why-arent-writers-paid-better/
Muse wrote: "
This was a question put to people in an online writers group I am
subscribed to. Below is my answer.
Artists sit in an odd space where they are both loved and hated.
They can lift us out of our daily struggles, soothe our trembling hearts, say
the things we want to say, shine a light on what is good and what is bad in the
world, and provide visions of the future.
They are hated because they reveal our dark sides, point out wrongdoing, have
influence over how people think and feel, are doing what they love rather than
slaving away at a thankless job, they seemingly skip the queue for wealth and
status through fame, and they get the attention others want.
Artists are often treated as enemies of the state. They can also be treated as
enemies of the people for stripping away the lie that if you just work hard and
not make waves, you will have a secure if not exactly happy life. Artists often
stir up self-reflection and most people don’t like themselves or their lives
enough to withstand this.
All of this adds up to artists being a class of people others want to control.
These controllers want to either use artistry for their own benefit, or
severely constrain art to what is “safe”. Keeping a class of people seriously
insecure, while offering up a few safe examples of their people who have made
it big, is a good way to do this.
This causes people to emulate the current stars of their art form, hoping that
with hard work and not making waves, they too can do what they love while being
rich and famous. Does this have a familiar ring? Artists also end up competing
with one another, tearing each other apart in jealousy, rather than cooperating
and supporting one another. After all only a few can achieve such an extreme
pinnacle.
There are things that can be done, but they require we as artists see ourselves
with more humility, that we work hard to help create culture change, and that
we participate in politics. And I’m sure just saying that is making people feel
nervous. Writers especially can be conflict averse. This doesn’t have to be
about conflict, it can be about caring. Even so, some people will be angry with
you for defending the poor for instance.
What can I say? Please take what courage you found to be an artist and use it
wisely and well."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
